|
|
|
|
|
| The FWD (Falling Weight
Deflectometer) is a non-destructive testing device that is
used to complete structural testing for pavement
rehabilitation projects, research, and pavement structure
failure detection. It is used for conventional and
deep strength flexible, composite and rigid pavement
structures. The FWD is a device capable of applying
dynamic loads to the pavement surface, similar in
magnitude and duration to that of a single heavy moving
wheel load. |
Download the FWD Software
FWD
Software Readme.txt
|
 The
response of the pavement system is measured in terms of
vertical deformation, or deflection, over a given area
using seismometers. The use of a FWD enables the
WSDOT to determine a deflection basin caused by a
controlled load. These results make it possible to
treat pavement structures in the same manner as other
civil engineering structures by using mechanistically
based design methods. FWD
generated data, combined with layer thickness, can be confidently used to obtain the
"in-situ" resilient elastic module of a pavement structure. WSDOT uses
this information in a structural analysis to |
|
determine the bearing capacity, estimate expected
life, and calculate overlay requirements over a
desired design life. Selecting the type of rehabilitation to be implemented on a
given pavement is of considerable economic significance and to reach that decision without
an adequate knowledge of the structural condition of the pavement may have very costly
consequences.
Contacts:
Linda Pierce,
State Pavement Engr.
360-709-5470
Jeff
Uhlmeyer, Pavement Design Engr.
360-709-5485 |
FWD Load Plate and Sensors
|
|
